Procedures in the Event of Disruptive Students

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All staff should be familiar with the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities, available from the Student Activities Resource Center, Vice President for Student Services’ Office or Admissions Center and published yearly in the Student Handbook. Following are definitions and procedures.

Definition

Disruptive behavior interferes with the instructional, administrative, and/or service functions of the College.

Examples

Verbally threatening or abusing any person or persons.

Physically threatening or assaulting others.

Theft or damage to College property.

Use, possession, distribution of illegal or controlled substances on College grounds.

Interfering with the learning environment by disruptive behavior or indecent expressions or conduct as defined by law.

Making inappropriate demands for time and attention from faculty and/or staff.

Removal of a Disruptive Student from College Facilities

An instructor may remove a disruptive student from the classroom on a daily basis by saying to the student that a specific behavior is inappropriate and then requesting the student to leave (if help is needed, the instructor should call Security at ext. 9998). The student is free to return to class the next day. Legally, unless there is imminent physical danger to the student or others, the student cannot be dropped from class without due process.

Any College administrator or Security personel may remove a disruptive student from College facilities.

If the safety of the student or others is jeopardized, the Vice-president for Student Services may suspend the student until the situation is fully investigated. After the investigation, the Vice-president may extend the suspension.

Recommended Procedure

Take the student aside, describe the inappropriate behavior, being specific, and tell him/her the behavior must stop. If the behavior does not stop, the student should be asked to leave by the instructor if in a classroom, by an administrator or security personnel if elsewhere on campus.

Immediately write an anecdotal description including date, time, specific description of the behavior, and your conversation with the student. This documentation is necessary should the behavior continue and disciplinary action be needed.

If possible, encourage the student to confer with a counselor in the Counseling, Advising and Career Center. If you wish, consult with a counselor (whether or not the student agrees to see one) on what records to keep and how to approach the student.

If you think the disruptive behavior might continue, consider writing a contract with the student. The essential elements are as follows:

Description of the inappropriate behavior(s).

Clear statement of the consequences (i.e., student cannot continue in class if described behavior(s) continue and will be required to meet with the Vice-president for Student Services).

Provide space for the student, instructor, and the Vice-presidents’ signatures. The student may choose to not sign the contract and cannot be required to do so. If this occurs, hand-deliver a copy to the student and send him/her a copy by mail to his/her home of record.

Have four (4) copies ready - one for the student, the instructor, the administrator, and Vice-president for Student Services.

If the disruptive behavior continues, remove the student (call Campus Security if necessary at ext. 9998) and notify the Vice-president for Student Services.

If you have any questions, call the Vice-president for Student Services. If you would like assistance at any time during such a process, call the Vice-president for Student Services.